Scholarships and Pathways Junior Officer

What is Alsama Project?  

Alsama is an ambitious and innovative NGO that runs education centres for otherwise out-of-school displaced teenagers in Lebanon and Syria. Students join us illiterate and innumerate, yet through our accelerated programme they complete the equivalent of 12 years of schooling in just 6 years. We are a grassroots organisation that focuses on impact, quality & scale.  

What is the role?  

In spring 2025, Alsama’s first cohort of 17 students will graduate from our centres. Their next step is critical: securing places in universities, vocational training, or employment that will allow them to build sustainable futures. 

To make this possible, Alsama is seeking a Scholarships & Pathways Junior Officer to design and implement a structured system of student guidance, partnerships, and scholarship support. The role will be key in ensuring that years of accelerated education translate into real opportunities and lasting impact.  

What will you do? 

To achieve the above, you will be responsible for ensuring that all 17 graduates secure confirmed landing pads (universities, vocational institutes, or employment) by April 2025, with scholarships and wrap-around support in place. The position combines student guidance, partnership management, and the development of a sustainable scholarship administration system, laying the foundations of a long-term mechanism for Alsama to support future graduating cohorts.  

This is a 6-month contract with the possibility of extension, dependent on performance and the successful delivery of the outcomes outlined below: 

1. Student Guidance & Support 

• Develop tailored action plans for each graduate, aligning their aspirations, skills, and academic record with suitable, realistic pathways into universities, vocational programmes, or employment 
• Provide focused coaching and application support, ensuring students are prepared to succeed in competitive admissions and scholarship processes. This includes refining personal statements, preparing for interviews, and navigating scholarship and admissions processes with professionalism and resilience. 

2. Scholarship & University Partnership Management 

• Manage relationships with existing university and scholarship partners to ensure effective placement of students. 
• Cultivate new institutional partners in higher education and vocational training, broadening opportunities for Alsama’s future graduates. 
• Establish and refine an “administration engine” for ongoing scholarship management, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and scalability. 

3. Scholarship Resource Development 

• Collaborate with the fundraising team to secure new scholarships and financial aid packages for all 17 students. 
• Contribute to donor-facing materials that communicate the transformative impact of investing in Alsama’s graduates. 

Required Experience & Skills: 

• Demonstrated track record of securing higher education and scholarship opportunities for students in the region, alongside managing the systems and partnerships required to deliver effective scholarship programmes. 
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with universities, vocational institutes, and employers (regionally and internationally). 
• Proven ability to guide students or young people through key academic or career transitions, such as university admissions, scholarship applications, or vocational placements. 
• At least 2 years’ experience in education, youth development, career guidance, or related fields, or, 1 year in project management with demonstrated success managing multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines. 
• Clear and compelling verbal and written English communication skills (candidates with Arabic proficiency will be prioritised). 
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and propose practical solutions. 
• High attention to detail and ability to review and improve both own work and that of others. 
• Proficiency with digital business tools: fluency in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint. Bachelor's degree (minimum) and proven record of academic excellence.  

Contract & Appointment:  

This is a 6-month appointment, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and organisational need. 

Appointment is contingent on a one-week “design and launch” exercise during which the selected candidate will prepare a high-impact action plan for review by Alsama’s Lead Team. Successful completion will confirm the appointment. 

Safeguarding: 

Alsama is committed to safeguarding all students and vulnerable adults. To work at Alsama, all staff and volunteers must promote a safe learning environment and uphold Alsama’s student safeguarding and protection policy, including completion of safeguarding and protection training and prompt reporting of any concerns or suspicions of abuse. You are expected to listen to students’ concerns, respond calmly and nonjudgmentally, and follow our procedures to ensure every concern is handled appropriately.